England missed out on their first World Cup final since 1966 after a stunning late turnaround from rivals Argentina saw the holders earn a 2-1 victory thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time winner.
The Three Lions were leading 1-0 with five minutes of normal time remaining in Atlanta through Anthony Gordon’s early second-half opener.
But two goals in the space of seven minutes saw a remarkable comeback from Argentina as Enzo Fernandez levelled with a wonderful 85th-minute strike from distance before substitute Martinez headed in a 92nd-minute winner.
Argentina’s turnaround came after England boss Thomas Tuchel made a number of defensive substitutions as England looked to hold on to their lead.
But following the changes, Argentina took firm control of the game and deservedly came back, with Lionel Messi playing a huge influence as he assisted both goals, producing a fine cross for Martinez’s winner.
Lionel Scaloni’s side will now face Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, while England will take on France in the third-place play-off on Saturday in Miami.
Having lost back-to-back European Championship finals, it was another case of so close, yet so far for England as Tuchel’s in-game changes saw England average just 12 per cent possession after Gordon’s opener until Martinez’s winner.
Tuchel insisted he had “no regrets” over his tactical decisions as he told BBC Sport of his substitutions: “We decided to go to a back five because there were too many gaps and they were far too open. We did it to close the gaps inside and be stronger in the air.
“We were so close, but we got too passive after we scored.”
England captain Harry Kane admitted the changes backfired as he told BBC Sport: “Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on, which at this level is just not enough, so I’m gutted.”
Sky Football